STORIES FROM ENGLISH HISTORY 
' 
} 
HAROLD AND TOSTIG (A.D. 1066). 
E 
1. To England’s shore the pirate king 
Of Norway’s icy clime, 
In thrice one hundred ships of war, 
Brought o’er his men of crime: 
While at his side the outlaw son 
Of proud Earl Godwin came, 
And many a child in terror shrank 
At dreaded Tostig’s name. 
2. King Harold led a dauntless host,— 
For every loyal thane,} 
Arousing at his country’s call, 
Called forth a vassal-train.* 
And while green autumn robed the vales, 
And corn was waving high, 
These vengeful armies frowning met 
Where Derwent* murmured by. 
Then, parted from his armed ranks 
A knight of noble mien,* 
And waved a snowy flag of truce * 
Those frowning hosts between. 
3. “To Tostig, great Earl Godwin’s son, 
King Harold bids me say, 
Why stand’st thou on thy native soil, 
Amid its foes this day ? 
1 Thane, lord. 
2 Vassal-train, the lord’s men who followed him to war. 
3 Derwent, a river in Yorkshire : the battle took place at Stam- 
ford Bridge. 4 Mien, manner. 
5 Flag of truce, a white flag to denote peace.